Description of need

In 3D printing or many powder metallurgy applications, you start with a powder. There is considerable interest in developing new powder alloys, which requires small batches. Right now, atomizers (ultrasonic or gas-based) are large, expensive, and produce large batches.

Problem severity (1-10)

5

Who has this need

Metal alloy powder companies

Total addressable market (TAM)

Unknown

Solutions today, and their shortcomings

  • Ultrasonic atomizers ($250K at least)
  • Gas atomizers (even more expensive)

Potentially relevant capabilities

Desktop-sized ultrasonic atomizer

References

2024-08-13 Desktop-sized atomizer for powder metallurgy